It is amazing that the human heart, which is the size of a closed fist, is the most powerful muscle in the body. It is a pump that keeps the blood moving through our body throughout life. Our life depends on the efficient operation of the heart, for when the heart stops pumping, it means the end of life. A broad definition of heart disease, information on factors that cause heart disease, symptoms of heart disease, and an in depth study of facts on heart disease can be found at AboutheartdiseaseSite.com.
A definitive definition of heart disease is impossible because heart disease is a general term that refers to any disease or condition of the heart. The term heart disease encompasses a wide array of diseases, namely valvular heart disease, disease of the heart muscle, coronary artery disease, and disturbance in the rhythm of the heart. Each type of disease is characterized by special symptoms, manifestations and treatment.
The heart needs ample oxygen and nourishment to function and this is supplied by coronary arteries. An abnormality in the function of these blood vessels causes the disintegration of the heart mass, especially the muscles of the heart, causing coronary heart disease. Narrowing of the coronary artery or a block in the Coronary Artery, which affects the flow of blood, also causes Coronary heart disease or heart attacks. When a clot appears in the artery, the blood supply to the heart is blocked. Cholesterol causes the formation of a thick substance in the artery, called plaque, which blocks the blood flow to the heart, which in turn leads to coronary heart disease. We say that the person has had a heart attack. Most persons who have had a heart attack don't die. Timely medical attention can save their lives. Coronary heart disease, which is in epidemic proportions around the world today, can be mitigated by changes in the food and life habits of people.
Facts on heart diseases
The population today is more educated about heart disease because it is so widespread. A major percentage of deaths in our time is due to heart attacks. In fact, the incidence of heart attacks has increased markedly in recent years. This is largely due to the life styles and food habits of people. High cholesterol, which is the result of unhealthy dietary habits, is a prime causative agent and a factor that is responsible for the cause of heart disease.
There are other factors that make people more prone to heart disease, such as family hereditary and medical history. The other causes of heart disease are obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high LDL and HDL cholesterol, stress, smoking etc. Healthy food habits, proper exercise, and regular health check ups are very important in order to maintain a healthy heart, avoid heart diseases and lead a happy life.
Although there are many symptoms of heart disease, a silent heart attack has no symptoms and can be fatal. Palpitation is the most important symptom of heart disease. Serious attention should be given to palpitation when climbing stairs or walking fast and checked in time to avert possible complications to the heart, and even death. The other symptoms of heart disease are sweating, nausea, giddiness, and pain in the chest. Fatigue and tiredness can also mark the onset of heart failure. Difficulty in breathing is another symptom that is indicative of coronary failure. Repeated chest pains should not be taken lightly and set aside as a gastric problem. Women should be more careful after menopause because the percentage of death in women is more than in men as they grow older.
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